YES Show review 7/09/13

The genius of Chris Squire
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Billsbro
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YES Show review 7/09/13

Post by Billsbro »

I know this is crazy long but I wanted to share my delight at seeing YES and Mr. Squire last night (July 9, 2013) in Phoenix. (And I hope you are reading this, Jim! Just because you are no longer the Moderator doesn't mean you cannot be drawn back in!)

Life is not measured by the amount of breaths one takes but by the amount of moments when YES takes your breath away. There were many of those breathless moments at last night’s show at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, AZ.

While there were the usual crowd-based negative issues (talking and drinking) the positive energy YES emits always overcomes any negative aspects. The small nature of the venue and the in-the-round stage makes the Celebrity Theatre a special place. Because of that rotation I of course had many memories of YES shows from 1978-80. And naturally nothing has changed with that dynamic; the roulette wheel goes round and round and where Steve Howe stops, nobody knows. In other words, sometimes the luck of the draw means that you are seeing one or more of the guys as they are playing a great part and other times you see…their back! And last night was no different. A few times I was frustrated at the randomness of the situation, especially when the stage would periodically stop and then start moving in the other direction. That sometimes meant we looked at their backs for an inordinate amount of time but at least one time the opposite happened and we were treated to an extended amount of face-time.

But when Steve, Chris, and Jon were facing away, the bonus was seeing Alan from behind. I try to play most instruments so I always watch everyone’s technique but since I started as a drummer I can watch Alan forever. I learned quite a bit last night. He is a “heel up” player and watching his right foot was very informative. Quite often he does so much with a simple cymbal pattern and a complex bass drum pattern. He has a few less cymbals than the old days but hemakes excellent use of them. An intriguing change was at the start of “Wondrous Stories” his roadie added a cymbal arm on Alan’s far left and pulled out a Zildjian Swish Knocker (a personal favorite of mine). It was used quietly during the piece but at the end of the tune it was removed and stowed. I also was able to see so much more technique, body language, and facial expressions from Alan whereas the last two shows he was hidden by his equipment. Watching his use of trigger pads and of course, the crotales was most informative. The latter are used in quite a few songs, not just the obvious, middle section of “Awaken.” The take-home message was that Alan is still very much in control. He is rock steady and the foundation of the band. So much of the time, the transitions and the emotional highpoints of our favorite songs are triggered and/or controlled by Mr. White.

Geoff too was intriguing to watch. In the past, those stacks of keyboards meant that one had one angle on the guy and that was it. But with the revolving stage we constantly had different views as he worked his magic. He really has a challenge trying to cover so many unique sounds and techniques and he does a fine job. He walks that fine line between emulating Rick and Tony and stamping his own signature on things. He is clearly a master of technology and has worked hard to be sure that his computers set up all the specific sounds on each synth perfectly in advance of each song so that he nails his lines once the song starts.

Having seen Mr. Davison last year I was expecting another fine performance and he did not disappoint. Most importantly, he clearly feels the music and from interviews he is living a dream singing for his idols. His pitch is excellent; he can control his voice well and delivers precisely what the music needs. Several times I was stunned at the beauty of some extra flourishes—especially some insanely high notes—that he added to the songs. Like last year, it was touching to watch him interact with each member of the band. He meshes so well with the guys and especially, his laughing and closeness with Chris is delightful to experience.

And Mr. Squire! Chris did nothing last night to dispel my hunch that he is the heart and soul of the band. If I wasn’t stunned by his technique and sound I was laughing at his child-like enjoyment of performing. Here is a man that loves his job. That periodic smile or wry grin would punctuate the look of concentration and focus necessary to execute the complex bass lines, vocals, and bass pedals. His grin lit up the place more than all the colorful lights. The perfect example of that joy was when the guys moved into “The Wurm” in “Starship Trooper”. As Downes and Howe provided the ostinato for the first part of the section Chris hit those thunderous single notes and slides that slowly increase the power and momentum of the finale. His smile showed how much he enjoys being a showman and getting people worked up. His joy and enthusiasm were infectious! And importantly, it is all genuine; the music seems to flow naturally from him. With the multiple angles provided by the rotating stage I could watch his foot technique on the bass pedals. Since I have my own set of Taurus III pedals I was keen to watch for when he was tapping out his thunder (but the intensity of the sub-bass was not reproduced as well as when they were at Talking Stick Casino last year). He had some pretty snazzy shoes too! His backing vocals are always a highlight for me and he was spot on last night. The ‘one million women’ section from “Close to the Edge” was lovely. Hearing Steve and Chris lay the bed of vocals for Jon was magic. Their backing vocals are very much under-appreciated and essential for the songs. Steve and Chris are never more “Yes-like” than when they are sharing backing vocal duties.

Unfortunately Chris did seem to have some electrical issues with his wireless equipment because the roadies were kept busy at the end of the first half. But his sound didn’t seem to cut out or anything so I am not sure exactly what was wrong. That he could continue to play during this problem was impressive. I was nervous at the beginning of “Awaken” because Geoff launched into it before Chris even had the triple-neck strapped on. But there were no obvious errors because of it. He quickly recovered his mood. The guy is a professional. And speaking of gear, it was so cool to be able to get close to the instruments before the show. To be right next to Steve’s and Chris’ iconic instruments was wonderful. The patina on the tuners of the classic 4001 was the highlight. And it was great to see the “Fish Out of Water” bass in the rack even though it was not played that night. And it was wonderful to hear the Ranney and the Fender come out to play.

Some of the sweetest ‘Chris moments’ were at the end of songs such as “And You and I”, “Turn of the Century”, and “Awaken.” For as the last notes died away Chris would slowly bow to the crowd with his eyes closed. The man’s spirit is oversized; his passion was very moving. We are blessed with his presence.

Lastly, Professor Howe was as always, the master of his domain. He didn’t seem to miss any tone, trick, or texture. The in-the-round nature presented a few more challenges for equipment exchanges but he and his roadie made things flow well. “Clap” was just as amazing as the first time I heard it. Perfect articulation, dynamics, and emotion! He seemed most on-fire during the second half of the show but he was excellent all night. When he lit the fuse for “Siberian Khatru” his passion made me time-travel back to the 1978 “Tormato” tour when they would open with that number. One can never say enough about Steve’s musicianship, devotion, leadership, and motivation. How he manages to find time to put out all those solo CDs is amazing. (And I was very pleased to pick up a signed copy of his new “Homebrew 5” disc.)

A few song notes…I was pleased with the choice of tempo for each song. Not too fast, not too slow. The sound in ”Close to the Edge” was a bit rough at first. The muddiness was clearly the sound system, not the band. That track is a magical way to start a YES show. It was equaled by “And You and I.” I am sure I was not the only man in the crowd to hold my (beautiful) wife’s hand to share the beauty of that gorgeous number as it unfolded around us. “Going for the One” was stunning. Steve positively ripped the pedal steel. Squire’s vocals were a joy to hear. I was transported back to 1977 when I saw that tour at MSG in NYC. “Turn of the Century” was lovely. Steve’s acoustic was a gorgeous contrast to Jon’s vocals—such a touching piece. “Parallels” was a bit dense in places but very well done. Geoff channeled the original keyboard lines very well. And “Awaken!” Wow! It is always a stunner. It was so emotionally charged and well-played. That middle section is my favorite and the guys suspended time as they moved through the dreamy sequence. Geoff absolutely had the crescendos under his command. He has improved his command of this song. The way the band modulated the energy up and down as they moved into the finale was glorious. I cannot find the words to adequately describe the blissful mood they created and the emotional impact that song has for me.

Each track of the final album for the night was excellent. “The Yes album” is a marvelous gem. “Yours is No Disgrace” was on fire. Howe rocked the wah-wah pedal and Squire played perfect counterpoint. “Starship Trooper” was passionate and whipped the crowd up. “All Good People” which is always a favorite was rousing and emotionally deep. “A Venture” was a rare treat for me. Davison did very well on this under-performed gem and controlled the band ‘with a handclap or a whisper.’ And “Perpetual Change” was the perfect song to fire up the crowd just a wee bit more. The guys didn’t waste time exiting the stage between that last song and the “Roundabout” encore. Instead, they simply basked in the crowd’s adulation. “Roundabout” never gets old for me and multiple old concerts flitted through my memory as we all soaked up the last, wonderful moments of the show. Steve always finds a way to add filigrees to his well-known lines. While it was a full and complete night I always want more. As my wife succinctly said, “I didn’t want it to end.”

As we took the long drive back to Tucson I found myself reliving the show. The farther we traveled the closer we got to the midnight monsoon storms to the south. The muted flashes and the well-defined lightning bolts reminded me of the electricity and intensity of the band. Just like each bolt of lightning is unique, each YES show is unique. Yet every show seems to have that electricity and impact. Each new show blends the past with the present. They manage to keep me firmly rooted in the Now while making me experience those old shows from the past. But make no mistake, these guys are ‘In the Present.’ We are lucky fans.

I am still trying to catch my breath.
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cjj
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Re: YES Show review 7/09/13

Post by cjj »

Nice write-up! I sure wish Yes would come somewhere in Montana, I'd love to see them in concert...
I have NO idea what to do with those skinny stringed things... I'm just a bass player...
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johnallg
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Re: YES Show review 7/09/13

Post by johnallg »

Thank, Stephen, I think.... :lol: Haven't seen Yes in SO many years....
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jps
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Re: YES Show review 7/09/13

Post by jps »

johnallg wrote:Thank, Stephen, I think.... :lol: Haven't seen Yes in SO many years....
You are coming to see them at Cain Psrk, aren't you? :wink:

After all, you are the one who brought that to my attention. :D
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woodyng
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Re: YES Show review 7/09/13

Post by woodyng »

Great review,and it makes me wish i had been able to see them on this tour. John,if you're on the fence about seeing them,get off! :wink: If they are playing anywhere near you,you should check it out. (400 miles was the closest to me,and it was midweek).
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Billsbro
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Re: YES Show review 7/09/13

Post by Billsbro »

Thanks, Woody.

And I also agree on jumping off the fence and into a concert seat.
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johnallg
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Re: YES Show review 7/09/13

Post by johnallg »

Not on the fence - with the business hours I work, that precludes most events. With a wedding this year, not enough dough or time off left either. :lol: :lol:
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ram
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Re: YES Show review 7/09/13

Post by ram »

maybe a case of the Yes flu???? :shock:
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Billsbro
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Re: YES Show review 7/09/13

Post by Billsbro »

Understood. We had one of those darn family weddings in January and it does sock it to ya.
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bartyclue
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Re: YES Show review 7/09/13

Post by bartyclue »

ram wrote:maybe a case of the Yes flu???? :shock:

he might need an extra day or two.. better make it Yesneumonia
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RickyBubba
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Re: YES Show review 7/09/13

Post by RickyBubba »

I needed this post, I was on the fence about driving to see them next week by myself, and this might just job me to go. Similar boat, mid week and struggling with motivation as I did seem them locally last summer.
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Billsbro
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Re: YES Show review 7/09/13

Post by Billsbro »

I cannot recommend it enough. In many ways they are better than they were in 2012. Jon Davison is very assured in his role; his singing is superb.

Take the Drive!

It is worth the money!
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woodyng
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Re: YES Show review 7/09/13

Post by woodyng »

I have to agree,Jon D ,Geoff,and the band have all just steadily gotten better, more assured and relaxed,based on the many youtube concert videos i have to content myself with!
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jps
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Re: YES Show review 7/09/13

Post by jps »

Billsbro wrote:Take the Drive!
It'll only be about a 10 minute walk for us. :mrgreen:
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cjj
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Re: YES Show review 7/09/13

Post by cjj »

jps wrote:
Billsbro wrote:Take the Drive!
It'll only be about a 10 minute walk for us. :mrgreen:
Nice!
8)

It'd be a couple of days of driving each way for me, or plane tickets, then hotels, etc...
:(
I have NO idea what to do with those skinny stringed things... I'm just a bass player...
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